Chinese Ports Experience for African Ports Development

Maritime transport has big impacts on national and international economics. The African shipping market has continued to grow in the most recent years despite the 2008 crisis. In most African countries, the role of ports in the national economy is also important but so far it is least compared to the developed countries and many Asian countries. The objective of this paper is to analyze the global situation of African ports, their modes of administration, and the different factors that affect their development. On the other hand, we examine the Chinese ports evolution and the different reforms that have been done to make those ports more efficient. Shenzhen port is closely examined from the port terminal operating modes, the shipping market and the port administration model to the impact of different reforms on the port productivity. Finally, this paper explains how this experience could be helpful for African ports development.